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The Problem with Noynoy for President Movement

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III never get much attention until the much mourned death of his mother, former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

Right after the burial of the former president, supporters of Noynoy began to surface urging him to run as president in 2010 elections. Obviously, Noynoy’s fanatics foresee his victory based on the the number of people who paid tribute to the remains of Cory and those who were in funeral procession. This is often tagged as “the Aquino magic”.

Now, even Noynoy Aquino has not officially announced that he will run as president in 2010, Sen. Mar Roxas already announced his intention not to pursue his plan to run as president to give way on the candidacy of Sen. Noynoy.

Mar’s announcement was a big political surprise. We all know how Mar position himself to get into Malacanang in 2010. Mar has spent a lot of resources already – time, money, effort. His decision should not be very easy for him. We cannot ignore the reality that Mar Roxas got qualifications than Noynoy. I should not forget to mention that Mar has proven his worth with his accomplishments as DTI Secretary and as Senator. Noynoy, since he run for Senate, continue to live on the shadow of his parents. He had not done much to hint us once he become president. But why did Mar give way to Noynoy? If we can only read his mind, we’ll get quick answer.

These recent developments boost the Noynoy for president movement. The clamor to make Noynoy as president has become a hype.

This proves that Filipinos major basis to elect leaders is popularity. Competence is least considered. Now, would you still asked why we had elected an action star? Perhaps you have now understood why some people push Manny Pacquiao to run as congressman. No wonder a presidential aspirant did his marriage proposal on a noontime show. The reason is quite obvious why noontime host Willie Revillame is rumored to run for senator.

The problem of the hype to make Noynoy as president is that it is based on sympathy rather than an intelligent decision. The assessment that Filipino voters decide based on their emotion rather than reason is being proven. This happened before when Filipinos elected an actor with faith that the action star’s movie roles would lived well in national governance.

Noynoy supporters are so overwhelmed with the legacy of the late Aquino couple. They are so grateful to the so called icon of democracy that they feel obliged to give Noynoy an equal level of endearment. The only way to do it is by making him president. Isn’t it ridiculous?

Indeed, Noynoy’s fanatic supporters are blinded with over-excitement!

As the clamor to make Noynoy as president become more intense, the discussion on what we should look for our next president has been idled.

No one among Noynoy’s supporters can attest that he has the traits we need for a president – proven the track record, credentials, competence and integrity. Noynoy might have integrity. But is integrity alone enough? Sen. Aquino’s accomplishments as congressman and senator are not good indicators that he would be effective as president. Reality check, Noynoy’s only qualifications is his being Aquino.

Being son of Ninoy and Cory is not enough reason to lead this nation nor is enough basis in choosing the next president.

But Noynoy’s supporters insist that Noynoy, being honest and having integrity, can effectively institute reports. In fact some even claim that he is the only hope of this nation. These are misleading and funny thoughts!

Many of us are still believing that that electing less qualified president can never be a problem. The president can always consult his advisers. Noynoy can use this approach. Advisers can storm Malacanang when needed.

But wait, have we not learned something from this approach in Estrada administration? The result to Estrada administration was a disaster. Even in Aquino administration, the approach had many unhappy results with many fundamental issues like agrarian reform, economic reform were inadequately addressed.

The problem of Noynoy for president movement is its very weak foundation. It is only built upon intense emotions – sympathy, gratefulness. It is a fad. Nonoy gain an instant popularity and soon lost it. This too shall pass. With Filipino’s short-lived memory, what’s next when Noynoy’s theatrical effects to people expire?

There is significant difference when a movement is built upon reasons and dictated by brains. While we can’t live by reasons alone, we can’t survive by allowing emotions to lead our way.

@ellica: I agree, “mistaken notions are further propelled by the greed”. And I am seeing that in the Noynoy-for-president fad. Technocrats, frustrated politicians will support Nonoy to serve later as advisers, etc. They know the strength of Nonoy now (winning in election) and the weakness of Noynoy later (heavy reliance to advisers on crucial and fundamental national issues).

So so true!! And what’s the bigger problem? Noynoy himself is really considering running. He’s riding with the sympathy wave. I’m not saying that he’s all agog with running and becoming President and sees this as his opportunity, but if he’s really concerned about our country, he should NEVER even consider running just to appease those sympathizers who clamor for him; he should already see right there and then that he’s not ready and not qualified (competence-wise) and should already tell it so.

I’m not rooting for Mar Roxas either. I’m just saying that Noynoy should not run and add to the “mostly unimpressive” list (of people we’ve heard who want to run). Let us scratch our heads on the status quo list without him on it.

The “wait and see” mentality is one of the elements that buried us to the dregs, so deep that no amount of stirring can arouse and bustle up all of us again. It is the “wait and see” attitude that prodded graft and corruption as the top agenda of our officials. We always say it si Lord na ang bahala, which I equate with “wait and see.” It is the “wait and see” that elected most of our “popular” officials and yet we close our eyes to these peoples’ character. “Waiting and seeing” is habit that has gone so bad, that we end up as spectators in the formation and downfall of our country instead of actively participating in its glorification. As I said, “wait and see” is just one factor.

Good arguments but you’re forgetting the fact that popularity and emotional voting are inherent in politics, anywhere in the world. What we have in Noynoy maybe is the least of all evils but I’d rather have someone who’s seen as incompetent rather than a president who’s tainted with corruption. If not him, who then is worthy to be president? Villar? Legarda? Chiz? What Noynoy have is integrity and honesty. Two VERY IMPORTANT traits that this country needs NOT experience in politics. You can teach a man the laws of the country but you cannot teach EVIL to be DIVINE.

@carla i think everyone’s corrupt in the goverment, no offense to everyone but thats what i think. questions running in my mind is why does one throw so much money running for an election, lets say millions. instead of just giving it to the poor and such, the best way to look into a president is the one that have proven it already, for example binay, gordon. they have proven it with their city, makati, subic..

i believe there is a time for everything and i think that it is not yet the time for noynoy…maybe there is really an “aquino magic” well you cant blame the people they all love the 2 aquinos who ruled the country. but. not noy. not now.

i beg to disagree.
first you place all accountability on the leader…the led need to be accountable as well. The lesson we have learned is that no matter what leader we select, if we filipinos do not change fundamentally, the leader can not lead us. We have to stop being a corrupt people. Corruption is a two way process. Leadership is everybody’s responsibility in my opinion.

secondly, we need to model ourselves on our leader, we need to be inspired first before we can initiate the awesome process of changing our way of doing things as filipinos. I am voting for ninoy in case he decides to run not because i sympathize with him nor because he is popular. What the heck. He’s rich. He’s a senator. He has a good looking girl. why will he need my sympathy. I will vote for him because his values seem to be solid and his moral upbringing upright. He inspires me. He can be my model against corruption. See how he has already inspired Roxas and a lot of other people without even lifting a finger.

Thirdly. All the other candidates are already tainted somehow in my mind with too much self interest and too much being beholden o other powers and supporters. I want a fresh smelling leader. I want him not to owe anything to anybody. A debt that he has to pay when already in power.

Fourth. Justice. They shot him during the coup plots against his mother. I want him to have power enough to have the wheels of justice turn again and have all those coup plotter made to pay for their assault against my government. I blame all those plotters for most of the failure of Cory’s government.

good day people of the philippines.
sarap pakinggan ang mga diskasyon nyo. we really have so many reasons to hear and im glad you really cared our country.

i dont know, why you judge the capacity of noynoy. di naman cguro tama yun dba? i have a questions for you. do you really believe in yourself? if you do then so is noynoy. and if not? then get lost… anu ba naman kau.

I don’t see this blog post as purposely trying to undermine Noynoy. more than anything, it’s a reminder for us to know whom we are voting for. to make informed, intelligent decisions come May 2010.

fact is, we hardly know the man other than him being Ninoy and Cory’s son. as senator, he has been low-key. until now. let us know the man behind the Aquino name.

truly Noynoy inspires. or is it the Cory magic? whatever is, what the country needs NOW is a leader who can actually deliver the goods. we’re lagging behind and can’t just take on a wait and see attitude.

aren’t Ninoy’s heroism and Cory’s legacy enough for us to get inspired?

we have been through several presidents – brilliant, intelligent, popular actor,highly educated, highly qualified but all failed in terms of integrity and honesty. With the present candidates for president,all are tainted with corruption.What the counntry needs is someone who is morally fit and has integrity.And evrything will fall in place.And that person is noynoy. He graduated with a degree in economics.We have so many legislations but never implemented.Most politicians now are more concerned with personal gain.

maybe noynoy is not corrupt. do you know why? because he’s so neophyte and you can’t even feel his presence in the politics. so ang gusto nyo hindi corrupt kahit walang alam? can he do what GMA can? I doubt if he can be even trusted to have a speech in other countries much less be given confidence by world leaders to speak in front of them. oo nga, anak sya ni ninoy and cory but what had his parents done for the economic development of this country. His parents had not really contributed for the progress of juan de la cruz. So where do you think noynoy will get his inspiration and lessons? and this is the very reason why he’s reluctant to run because he knows nothing. and he never learned a thing from his parents because his parents never really had excellent and numerous achievements as leaders of the philippines. sige nga, isa-isahin nyo ang greatest– take note GREATEST achievements ni ninoy and cory. wala kayong maisip kundi yung pagkamagaling nilang magsalita. being verbose is not the same as good leaders.

1. Who can be better prepared for the presidency than the man with the genes of heroic parents? Won’t the heroism that he saw in his parents be the best guide on how he too can become a trustworthy public servant of the people?

2. Who can better empathize with the social injustice that the Filipino people are suffering than the man who suffered the injustice committed on his father who was jailed and eventually assassinated?

3. Who can better claim that he possesses the character that we can trust than the man whose family had undergone the pits of persecution and the heights of power but had not been badly affected at all by either experience?

If it is preparation and experience that will be the yardstick for choosing the most qualified to become president in 2010, all things considered, nobody comes close to Noynoy Aquino.

if Noynoy is going to run for the sake of continuing the flame of democracy from his mom and dad, i suggest he stop dreaming to become the next president. because inheriting the dream from his parents does not indicate his capability to lead.

so funny… how come you can tell he is bad? are you dead serious about it? nina guess i can add up all the a simple equation for you even a 5 years old kid can sum it up.

noynoy=we cant say he is perfect but his less evil, less corrupt.

nina…he is not dreaming of becoming the next president but the people chooses him. why?, for they believe he has the capabilities to end the era of corruption and evil inside the palace.

how come youre so uneasy when ninoy was appointed by the people to RUN against administration… remember we still have may 2010 election. do your share vote whoever candidate you want.

youre so MEAN people. hindi p nmn xa ang president natin. let him run if he wanted to if you dont vote for him then do whatever you want… we are in a free country. wag lang mang harash ng kapawa tao mo.

Whoever becomes the Philippine President will inherit our legacy of colonialism,feudalism and all the “ism” especially nepotism.I served under the Aquino Administration and witnessed the same challenges that confronted us during the Marcos Era.I left the country in 1991 because I witnessed my political friends and associates becoming the very evil we fought during the Marcos Regime.I felt helpless and confused.Pilipinos are worth loving but I am confused because many Pilipinos are either timid or contented with their predicaments.I served the poorest Pilipinos from 1982 till 1991.I witnessed the poverty of many Pilipinos.My idealism and belief in righteousness were my main motivations….it was not enough.
Do we have hope to better our lives and country ?
Yes.It would take perhaps 100 years plus from now.
I am retiring in five years (USA) and I intend to teach in the Philippines.Education is one of the peaceful means to achieve authentic change in our society.Remember in partisan politics…there are no permanent friends or enemies only permanent political agenda (most likely selfish).A hundred Noynoy will make slight or minute impact to our predicaments……let us review and overhaul ourselves…our way of life…system…..let us start by asking, are we ready to make sacrifices without violence ? Can we sustain it ?
What happened to our people power ? Our faith ? Our vision to better our country without fanfare and politicking…etc…..? What is going on Bayan Ko ?

Anyway, imo we keep talking about experience and qualification wise..in terms of qualifications, for me PGMA had it (Economist, harvard ed, political background, family background..etc.) but where did that get us….

“Reason, Education, and Intellectual quickness are to be prized, but they are no substitute for good character, kindness and ethical values.” – Jeff Jacoby

To pass the mantle of greatness from Ninoy and Cory to a son who so far has not done anything great yet in his life would demean and cheapen the legacies that Ninoy and Cory left behind. Cory did not survive 9 coup attempts, and Ninoy did not breathe his last breath on a dirty airport tarmac for it to be used as their forgettable son’s publicity tool for his presidential bid. Noy’ gumawa ka muna ng sarili mong lilim bago ka mangarap maging pangulo!

I also agree with you…Noynoy is just so quiet and we still do not know him very well..I hope Noynoy would consider that there are also a lot of people who are not really convinced of his intention to lead the country. Noy, please think it over…

Below are what I call the five (5) essential qualities of Senator Noynoy Aquino that make him the best candidate and the most qualified to hold the vast powers of the presidency of our country.

“The essentials are always the most important”, says Confucius, one of the great and founding philosophers of China

1) On Power

Has Senator Noynoy ever abused any of his powers in the past? He was a presidential son for 6 years, a congressman for 9 years, and a senator for 2 years. Is there any report or record of abuse power against him? The answer to this question is crucial because public office is, first and foremost, about the powers of that office. Therefore, it is very important to know how a leader uses the powers in his hands. Does he use them to truly help the people that he leads, or does he use them only for himself, his family and friends? As for Senator Noynoy, there is no issue or report or record of abuse of power against him. Thus, I firmly believe that, if and when he becomes our president, he will be responsible and humble in the exercise of his powers. In fact, there is a great part of me that believes that he would use those powers to help the poorest of our people, the weakest of our citizens, and to build our country and our name Filipino great. Of all the presidentiables in the country, I believe that Senator Noynoy is the most qualified to hold the great powers of the presidency. Two (2) months ago, he was not even planning to run for president. His name was not even part of the presidential equation. It was the turn of events that put him where he is now. It seems like it is destiny that is seeking him out. Plato once said “he who does not seek power is the most qualified to hold it.”

2) On Money

The issue of money is very important because public office is also essentially about people’s money. Is there an issue of graft and corruption or stealing or misuse of public funds against Senator Noynoy in the past? There is none. Absolutely none. Unlike what is happening among many of our leaders in the country today, Senator Noynoy has a very clean record when it comes to the use of people’s money. Thus, I am confident that, if and when he becomes our president, he will also not steal or use our people’s money for his own or his family’s gain.

3) On Lifestyle

As noticed by the media and the public, Senator Noynoy has a decent and very simple lifestyle. He is not a womanizer, a gambler, or even a drinker. He carries himself in simple clothes, and appears to have no materialistic desires. This is also important because, as we see too often in our country, many government leaders and politicians bring their vices into the position they occupy. If my observation is accurate, no amount of wealth and materials in this world may tempt Senator Noynoy to turn his back on his oath of office, if and when he becomes our president.

4) Good Heart

So many signs show that Senator Noynoy has a good heart. When his father Ninoy was assassinated in 1983, Senator Noynoy served his family well, and even delayed getting married because he wanted to take care of his mother and sisters. During the wake and funeral of your mother, it was also learned on TV that Senator Noynoy is the one taking care of Joshua, as a father would take care of his own son. All these convince me that Senator Noynoy has a good heart, the heart of a loving and caring big brother. I am confident that, if and when he becomes our president, Senator Noynoy will also serve his big family – the Filipino people – with the heart of a loving and caring big brother. I am confident that, if and when he becomes president, he will be a public servant instead of a public master.

5) Competence

As his father Ninoy fought and died for the Filipino, as his mother President Cory loved and served the Filipino people well with grace and decency, I am confident that Senator Noynoy will also love and serve the Filipino in the same measure. And because of this love for our people, Senator Noynoy has the competence to build an honest and competent government for the Filipino people. By appointing honest and competent officials to every position in government, Senator Noynoy can build for our people an honest and competent government. Truth is, this is the kind of competence that we need from a leader, the competence to build an honest and a competent government for our people. This kind of competence only comes from the heart, not from intelligence or skills. A famous Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, said “In choosing a leader, the heart is the most important. Intelligence and skills come second only in importance.” In fact, US President Theodore Roosevelt warned that “Intelligence without morality is a great danger to society”.

At present, all I want is a decent leadership that give our people a decent government.

I believe that Senator Noynoy can give our people both of these.

I believe that he can bring our country into the right direction.

I believe that he can bring our country into the direction of our dreams for our country.

I think there is nothing wrong with Noynoy running for president. Qualifications wise, he would surely pass. However, if people would vote for him just because he was the son of former president Corazon Aquino then this reflects the narrow mindedness of Filipino people. Making decisions out from emotions is a crime, why? because if a leader would fail people’s expectations then there would be outburst of another EDSA, the street rallying of angry people, war between government and ralliest. That’s how things work here in our country. Seems like nobody is learning. We seem to reach the peak of learned helplessness, we do not want to escape from torment and instead submit ourselves and roll over to constant violations and provocations. We do not like to change because we are so comfortable with the usual.

Good day to all of you!
Let me share you the most credible to become a next president of the Philippines. I hope he wiil file his candidacy. This man has the Cleanest track record and a monicker of “Mr. Governance” and most of all he has political will. He has less media exposure,what we call nag pogi lang like all TRAPO’s (Traditional Politicians) did but saying goes “actions speaks louder than words”. This man is BAYANI FERNANDO. Why? Look at the history of this man.
1. During his term as a mayor, he transformed Marikina City from a 4th class municipality to a Philippine Model city and was accorded 55 citation of that award before typhoon Ondoy happens.
2. He has an iron will to implement our laws in which others dont understand just because of their self-interest. Other traditional politicians( TRAPO )unable to remove squatters sa mga ilog even if bawal. Mainly because they need their votes and to gain symphathy. Unlike BAYANI as MMDA Chairman na tinaggal at pinalipat ang mga ito for thier own safety reasons. Removing all vendors in the sidewalk for clean and safe environment, mga residente na ginawang sampayan ang kalsada,umihi kahit saan at iba pang labag sa batas. He has the political will and we need it on our country today.

Hindi puro salita,drama sa media for thier media exposure. Ang kailangan natin ay GAWA. Don’t be oveshadowed by traditional politicians indeed we should help BAYANI FERNANDO to run as president and win this election.
NOTE:
1.Noynoy came from Tarlac with Gilbert Teodoro also as congressman for 1st district of Tarlac for long time. For all the budget,did they improve their place where they came from??? unlike BAYANI did. you’ll be the judge
2.Other presidential aspirants like chiz, loren and others is with erap for quite some time. What do you think?

MAMULAT NA SANA TAYO…I’m a cebuano also and what I understand is cebuano’s are a smart voter.Daghang salamat sa pagbasa
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I will never vote for Villar. Dahil ginagawa niya tayong tanga. Imagine, he has been spending BILLIONS of pesos in advertisements just to let everyone know that during his childhood, he used to sleep under a roof that drips when it rains. Is a hole in one’s roof a qualification for the presidency? Tapos tutulong kunyari sa mga OFW but always he impose a certain condition. Dapat sa harap ng kamera. Dapat malaman ng tao. Hence, he spends P100,000 to help some OFW and then spend P100 Million for everyone to see it. This absurd! THe height of hypocrisy!!! Bukod pa roon, saan babawiin ni Villar yung Billions na ginastos niya?

I will not vote for Erap. I will never vote for someone who has been proven to be a plunderer, a womanizer, a drunkard and a gambler. I will also not vote for Escudero. He talks, sounds, moves and thinks like a robot and Danding Cojuangco holds the remote control. Escudero’s presidency promotes oligarchy.

I will not not vote for De Castro, Never. I will judge him on the basis of the quality of homes he provides the poor. Malayo sa trabaho. Binabaha. Walang tubig o kuryente. Malayo sa mga paaralan.Suplado.

I posted some of the comments here and two of the blogs written by the author in Tagpuan.com/forums. I like the intelligent exchange here. I just discovered this blog. Thanks, people, for making this interesting, not just a string of name-calling.

Interesting post. All I’m praying for is for Noynoy’s supporters to stop acting as if Noynoy is an untouchable saint. Noynoy is just man.

Secondly, I don’t buy this “Noynoy is our only hope in this time of political decay.” I just want to ask if they have forgotten about the 40+ million hopes the country has. Isn’t it better to turn hope into reality than resting it all on one (and failing)?
The Philippines doesn’t end in May 2010. There’s more to it, really.

Lastly, I don’t buy this good vs evil either. Because I believe it should be a battle of the good and the better. I want our country to be run by someone who CAN and WILL. The dichotomy of legitimacy and competence is vital, and luckily we can contrast Erap (legitimacy no competence) and GMA (competence no legitimacy), to see what will happen to our country if our leaders dont have the two.

I hope that people will make the right choices come election day. Changing the country is not all about one person. It is about 89+ million Filipinos. Mabuhay po ang nag-iisip na Pilipino.